DHAKA, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS) - The government is formulating the National Programme of Action (NPA) 2026-2030 to eliminate child labour from the country by 2030.
 
The National Programme of Action for the Elimination of Child Labour 2021-2025 is being reviewed and a new National Programme of Action is being formulated for the period 2026-2030, said an official document prepared by Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The NPA is a government strategy, developed with partners (ILO, UNICEF) to eliminate child labour in Bangladesh, focusing on legal reform, better inspections, social protection, skills training, and poverty reduction to protect children from hazardous work and ensure their education.

Key activities of the NAP include aligning national laws with ILO conventions, strengthening inspection systems, creating child labour policies; addressing root causes like poverty through social safety nets, providing livelihood support for families, and basic needs for children; withdrawing children from hazardous works, providing skills training for safe trades, ensuring access to education, and offering rehabilitation services; and raising public awareness about child labour issues and children's rights.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh implemented the NPA 2021-2025 aiming to eliminate worst forms of child labour by 2025.

Child labour is a social menace and that is why the government is committed to eradicating it.

In the last one year, 3,453 children have been withdrawn from child labour and 16 cases were filed in this regard. Of the cases, seven cases have been settled, the document said.

A total 11,691 special inspections, 608 motivational meetings and 60 trainings were organised to eliminate child labour, while 347 child daycare centres have been established for female workers at garments and other factories.

In one year, maternity welfare benefits were ensured for 1,270 female workers, while financial benefit amounting to over Taka 32.65 crore was provided to them.

These initiatives have increased the confidence of working women - making their workplaces safer, according to the document.